I use Swiss or Lufthansa to HKG from MAN- and when i do, i am never the only pax to do so ( same for Shanghai).
BTW Etihad dont serve HKG.
Using LX or LH usually takes me about 16 hours.
Its all about choice.
Hong Kong airlines are a great airline, but this new LGW service is premium class only - i give it 6 months at best.